U.S. patent application number 11/784661 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-09 for modality of flow regulators and mechanical ventilation systems.
Invention is credited to Jen-shih Lee.
Application Number | 20080245366 11/784661 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39825880 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080245366 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Jen-shih |
October 9, 2008 |
Modality of flow regulators and mechanical ventilation systems
Abstract
A mechanical ventilation system includes a first channel, a
bifurcation region, a second channel, and a third channel. The
bifurcation region is connected to the first channel. The second
channel and the third channel are connected to the bifurcation
region, wherein at least one first disc is rotatably disposed
within the second channel and at least one second disc is rotatably
disposed within the third channel.
Inventors: |
Lee; Jen-shih; (Rancho Santa
Fe, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUANE MORRIS LLP
101 WEST BROADWAY, SUITE 900
SAN DIEGO
CA
92101-8285
US
|
Family ID: |
39825880 |
Appl. No.: |
11/784661 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
128/205.24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 16/205 20140204;
A61M 16/0816 20130101; A61M 2205/3561 20130101; A61M 2205/3592
20130101; A61M 16/204 20140204; A61M 16/0066 20130101; A61M 16/1065
20140204; A61M 16/1055 20130101; A61M 16/20 20130101; A61M
2016/0027 20130101; A61M 16/0069 20140204; A61M 16/0833
20140204 |
Class at
Publication: |
128/205.24 |
International
Class: |
A62B 9/02 20060101
A62B009/02 |
Claims
1. A mechanical ventilation system, comprising: a first channel; a
bifurcation region connected to the first channel; and a second
channel and a third channel connected to the bifurcation region,
wherein at least one first disc is rotatably disposed within the
second channel and at least one second disc is rotatably disposed
within the third channel.
2. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 1, wherein the first
disc and a sidewall of the second channel has a gap between about
0.5 millimeter (mm) and about 1.5 mm, and the second disc and a
sidewall of the first channel has a gap between about 0.5 mm and
about 1.5 mm.
3. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 1, wherein at least
one of the first disc and the second disc has a thickness between
about 0.1 centimeter (cm) and about 1.2 cm.
4. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 1 further comprising
at least one motor coupled to the first disc and the second disc,
operative to rotate the first disc and the second disc at a
rotational speed between about 3 rotations per minute and about 15
rotations per minute, wherein the first disc and the second disc
are constructed to have an angle difference substantially about
90.degree..
5. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 4, wherein if the
motor is operative to rotate the first disc such that a flow
direction in the second channel is substantially parallel to a
plate surface of the first disc, the second channel has a flow
resistance between about 1 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec) and about 2
cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec); and if the motor is operative to rotate the
first disc such that the flow direction is substantially
perpendicular to the plate surface of the first disc, the second
channel has a flow resistance between about 10 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec)
and about 20 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec).
6. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 4, wherein if the
motor is operative to rotate the second disc such that a flow
direction in the third channel is substantially parallel to a plate
surface of the second disc, the third channel has a flow resistance
between about 1 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec) and about 2 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec);
and if the motor is operative to rotate the second disc such that
the flow direction is substantially perpendicular to the plate
surface of the second disc, the third channel has a flow resistance
between about 10 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec) and about 20
cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec).
7. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 1 further comprising
a first motor coupled to the first disc, operative to rotate the
first disc at a rotational speed between about 3 rotations per
minute and about 15 rotations per minute and a second motor is
coupled to the second disc, operative to rotate the second disc at
a rotational speed between about 10 rotations per second and about
20 rotations per second.
8. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 1 further comprising
a first pressure regulator coupled to the second channel and a
second pressure regulator coupled to the third channel to control a
pressure in the first channel, wherein at least one of the first
and second pressure regulators comprises: a solenoid; a valve
coupled to the solenoid, wherein the solenoid is configured to
control the valve so as to control the pressure in the first
channel.
9. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 1 further comprising
a filter disposed within the second channel, configured to modify a
flow resistance of the second channel and a blower coupled to the
third channel, operative to provide a pressure within the first
channel.
10. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 1 further comprising
a mask coupled to an opening of the first channel, wherein the mask
comprises a safety valve manually disposed thereon.
11. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 10 further
comprising a filter disposed on a contoured perimeter of the mask
and configured to filtrate droplets.
12. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 1 further comprising
a third disc crossly connected with the first disc.
13. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 1 further
comprising: a pressure gauge coupled to the first channel,
configured to monitor a pressure within the first channel so as to
generate a pressure data; and a processor coupled to the pressure
gauge, configured to receive the pressure data.
14. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 13, wherein the
processor is coupled to a motor configured to rotate at least one
of the first disc and the second disc, and the processor is
operative to control the motor so as to modify the pressure in the
first channel.
16. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 1, wherein at least
one of the second and third channels has a dimension from first
inner side to a second inner side of about 2.5 cm.
17. A mechanical ventilation system, comprising: a tracheal
channel; a bifurcation region connected to the tracheal channel; an
expiration channel and an inspiration channel connected to the
bifurcation region, wherein at least one first disc is rotatably
disposed within the expiration channel and there is no disc is
disposed within the inspiration channel; and at least one motor
coupled to the first disc, operative to rotate the first disc at a
rotational speed between about 3 rotations per minute and about 15
rotations per minute.
18. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 17, wherein the
first disc and a sidewall of the expiratory channel have a gap
between about 0.5 millimeter (mm) and about 1.5 mm.
19. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 17, wherein the
first disc has a thickness between about 0.1 centimeter (cm) and
about 1.2 cm.
20. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 17, wherein if the
motor is operative to rotate the first disc such that a flow
direction is substantially parallel to a plate surface of the first
disc, the expiration channel has a flow resistance between about 1
cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec) and about 2 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec); and if the motor
is operative to rotate the first disc such that the flow direction
is substantially perpendicular to the plate surface of the first
disc, the expiration channel has a flow resistance between about 10
cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec) and about 20 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec).
21. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 17 further
comprising a first pressure regulator coupled to expiration channel
and a second pressure regulator coupled to the inspiration channel
to control the pressure in the tracheal channel, wherein at least
one of the first and second pressure regulators comprises: a
solenoid; a valve coupled to the solenoid, wherein the solenoid is
configured to control the valve so as to control the pressure in
the tracheal channel.
22. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 17 further
comprising a filter disposed within the expiration channel,
configured to modify a flow resistance of the expiratory channel
and to filtrate droplets from exhaled air; and a blower coupled to
the inspiration channel, operative to provide a flow within the
inspiration channel.
23. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 17 further
comprising a mask coupled to an opening of the tracheal channel,
wherein the mask comprises a safety valve manually disposed
thereon.
24. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 23 further
comprising a filter disposed on a contoured perimeter of the mask
and configured to filtrate droplets in the air leaked around the
mask.
25. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 17 further
comprising a second disc crossly connected with the first disc.
26. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 17 further
comprising: a pressure gauge coupled to the tracheal channel,
configured to monitor a pressure in the tracheal channel so as to
generate a pressure data; and a processor coupled to the pressure
gauge, configured to receive and to process the pressure data.
27. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 26, wherein the
processor is coupled to the motor, operative to control the motor
so as to modify the pressure in the tracheal channel.
28. A mechanical ventilation system, comprising: a flow regulator
comprising: a first channel; a bifurcation region connected to the
first channel; and a second channel and a third channel connected
to the bifurcation region, wherein at least one first disc is
rotatably disposed within the second channel and at least one
second disc is rotatably disposed within the third channel; at
least one motor coupled to the first disc and configured to rotate
the first disc; a mask connected to the channel, the masking
comprising a manually vented safety valve; and a blower connected
to the third channel.
29. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 28, wherein the
first disc and the sidewall of the second channel has a gap between
about 0.5 millimeter (mm) and about 1.5 mm, and the second disc and
the sidewall of the third channel has a gap between about 0.5 mm
and about 1.5 mm.
30. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 28, wherein at least
one of the first disc and the second disc has a thickness between
about 0.1 centimeter (cm) and about 1.2 cm.
31. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 28, wherein the
motor is coupled to the first disc and the second disc, operative
to rotate the first disc and the second disc at a rotational speed
between about 3 rotations per minute and about 150 rotations per
minute such that the first disc and the second disc has a angle
difference substantially about 90.degree..
32. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 28, wherein if the
motor is operative to rotate the first disc such that a flow
direction is substantially parallel to a plate surface of the first
disc, the second channel has a flow resistance between about 1
cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec) and about 2 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec); and if the motor
is operative to rotate the first disc such that the flow direction
is substantially perpendicular to the plate surface of the first
disc, the second channel has a flow resistance between about 10
cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec) and about 20 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec).
33. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 28, wherein if the
motor is operative to rotate the second disc such that a flow
direction is substantially parallel to a plate surface of the
second disc, the third channel has a flow resistance between about
1 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec) and about 2 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec); and if the
motor is operative to rotate the second disc such that the flow
direction is substantially perpendicular to the plate surface of
the second disc, the third channel has a flow resistance between
about 10 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec) and about 20 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec).
34. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 28 further
comprising a high-speed motor coupled to the second disc, operative
to rotate the second disc at a rotational speed between about 10
rotations per second and about 20 rotations per second.
35. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 28 further
comprising a first pressure regulator coupled to the second channel
and a second pressure regulator coupled to the third channel to
control a pressure in the first channel, wherein at least one of
the first and second pressure regulators comprises: a solenoid; a
valve coupled to the solenoid, wherein the solenoid is configured
to control the valve so as to control the pressure in the first
channel.
36. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 28 further
comprising: a filter disposed within the second channel, configured
to modify a flow resistance of the second channel and to filtrate
the exhaled air through the second channel; and a blower coupled to
the third channel, operative to provide a flow to the third
channel.
37. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 28 further
comprising a filter disposed on a contoured perimeter of the mask
and configured to filtrate droplets in the air leaked around the
mask.
38. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 28 further
comprising a third disc crossly connected with the first disc.
39. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 28 further
comprising: a pressure gauge coupled to the first channel,
configured to monitor a pressure within the first channel so as to
generate a pressure data; and a processor coupled to the pressure
gauge, configured to receive the pressure data.
40. The mechanical ventilation system of claim 39, wherein the
processor is coupled to at least one of the motor and the blower,
operative to control at least one of the motor and the blower so as
to modify the pressure in the first channel.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] Aspects of the present invention relate, most generally, to
a new modality of mechanical ventilators, and more particularly to
flow regulators and mechanical ventilation systems.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Mechanical ventilation is a method to assist or replace
spontaneous breathing when patients cannot inspire and/or expire on
their own. Traditionally, negative pressure ventilators, e.g.,
iron-lungs, are used to create a negative pressure environment
around a patient's chest. Due to the pressure difference between
the patient's lungs and the negative pressure environment, air can
be sucked into the patient's lungs. However, iron lung is quite
large and needs a considerable amount of operating space.
Therefore, its accessibility is limited and it is uncomfortable for
many patients.
[0005] To date, positive pressure ventilation (PPV) device has been
provided and widely used in medical cares. PPV device increases the
pressure in a patient's airway during inspiration, forcing air
flowing into the patient's lungs. During expiration, PPV device
reduces the pressure to a lower positive value to facilitate the
air exhalation of the patient.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing showing a continuous positive
airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
[0007] Referring to FIG. 1, the CPAP machine 100 consists of a
controller 105, a circuit board 110 and a blower 120. The CPAP
machine 100 is connected to a tube 130 and a facemask 140 to a
patient. The controller 105 and circuit board 110 is coupled to the
blower 120, operative to control the blower 120. The blower 120 is
connected to the facemask 140 through the tube 130. The blower 120
provides airflow at positive airway pressure through the tube 130
and the facemask 140 to the patient. Patients with chronic
obstructive sleep apnea have used the CPAP machine 100. The primary
function of the CPAP machine 100 is to open airways of patients so
as to reduce the patient's effort to deliver oxygen to and to
remove carbon dioxide from the lung. The ventilation is achieved by
the patient's own effort, but the use of CPAP machine reduces the
work of breathing. Intrinsically the CPAP machine is not a
ventilator like iron lung or PPV device.
[0008] Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a highly
infectious disease occurring in 2003. During the SARS epidemic, the
disease had spread out, affecting 3,500 individuals in 26
countries. Not only patients but also many health care workers were
infected. A high percentage of patients who were infected by SARS
developed acute respiratory failure (ARF). Mechanical ventilators
with PPV are thus provided to deliver fresh air to these patients
in intensive care units (ICU). Beyond the problem of their high
costs, hospitals' PPV devices, however, are close to be fully
utilized by patients with ARF generated by diseases such as but not
limited to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and neuromuscular
diseases even during the time without SARS epidemic. Further, once
the influenza viral epidemic occurs, a large number of PPV devices
may not be timely manufactured because of the complexity of
ventilators.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In accordance with some exemplary embodiments, a mechanical
ventilation system includes a first channel, a bifurcation region,
a second channel and a third channel. The bifurcation region is
connected to the first channel. The second channel and the third
channel are connected to the bifurcation region, wherein at least
one first disc is rotatably disposed within the second channel and
at least one second disc is rotatably disposed within the third
channel.
[0010] The above and other features will be better understood from
the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of
the invention that is provided in connection with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] Following are brief descriptions of exemplary drawings. They
are mere exemplary embodiments and the scope of the present
invention should not be limited thereto.
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing showing a traditional
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine.
[0013] FIGS. 2A-2E are schematic cross-sectional views showing
exemplary flow regulators, constructed and operative in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 2F is a configuration drawing showing an exemplary
setting that the disc disposed in a channel is in alignment with
the flow direction and FIG. 2G is a configuration drawing showing
an exemplary setting that the disc disposed in a channel is
perpendicular to the flow direction.
[0015] FIG. 2H is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary disc
structure disposed in a channel, and FIG. 2I is a schematic
cross-sectional view of the disc structure of FIG. 2H, taken along
a section line 2I-2I.
[0016] FIGS. 2J and 2K are schematic cross-sectional views of
exemplary flow regulators, constructed and operative in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary
mechanical ventilation system, constructed and operative in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4A is a schematic front view of an exemplary mask and
FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mask of FIG. 4A,
taken along a section line 4B-4B.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary
mechanical ventilation system, constructed and operative in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0020] This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to
be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to
be considered part of the entire written description. In the
description, relative terms such as "lower," "upper," "horizontal,"
"vertical," "above," "below," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as
well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly,"
"upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation
as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion.
These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not
require that the apparatus/device be constructed or operated in a
particular orientation.
[0021] FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an
exemplary flow regulator, constructed and operative in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 2A, a flow regulator 200 may comprise, for
example, channels 210, 230, 240 and a bifurcation region 220
connected to the channels 210, 230, 240. Each of the channels 230
and 240 may comprise at least one disc, such as discs 250 and 260
rotatably disposed therein, respectively.
[0023] In some embodiments, the channel 210 may be coupled to a
mask 310 (shown in FIG. 3) through which air may be inspired or
expired by patients. A wall 211 may be around the channel 210. The
material of the wall 211 may comprise at least one of plastic
material, metallic material, or other solid material that is
adequate to prevent fluid within the channel 210 from leaking out
of the channel 210. In some embodiments, the channel 210 is a
circle having a diameter between about 1.5 centimeter (cm) and
about 3 cm, preferably about 2.5 cm.
[0024] In some embodiments, the channel 210 may be referred to as a
trachea channel and be a circle, oval, square, rectangle, hexagon,
octagon, or other shape that can desirably deliver air there
through.
[0025] The bifurcation region 220 is provided to connect with the
channels 230 and 240 such that inhaled air to a patient may be
delivered through the channel 240 and exhaled air from a patient
may be delivered through the channel 230.
[0026] In some embodiments, the channel 230 may be referred to as
an expiration channel through which air exhaled from the channel
210 can be desirably expired. The channel 230 may be a circle,
oval, square, rectangle, hexagon, octagon, or other shape. In some
embodiments, the channel 230 is a circle having a diameter between
about 1.5 centimeter (cm) and about 3 cm, preferably about 2.5
cm.
[0027] In some embodiments, the disc 250 may be rotatably disposed
within the channel 230 by a shaft 270 through the wall 211. The
disc 250 may be a circle, oval, square, rectangle, hexagon,
octagon, or other shape corresponding to the shape of the opening
of the channel 230. The material of the disc 250 may comprise, for
example, at least one of plastic, metallic, ceramic, or the
material or various combinations thereof.
[0028] In some embodiments, a gap "g" between the edge of the disc
250 and the inner surface 231 of the wall 211 is between about 0.5
millimeter (mm) and about 1.5 mm, preferably about 1.0 mm. The disc
250 may have a thickness "t" between about 0.1 cm and about 1.2 cm,
preferably 1 cm. In some embodiments designed for children, the gap
"g" may be about 1 mm; and the thickness "t" may be about 0.6
cm.
[0029] The gap "g" and thickness "t" are designed to achieve a
desired flow resistance within the channel 230. For example, a
reduction of the gap "g" may increase the flow resistance of the
channel 230 when the disc 250 is rotated as shown in FIG. 2F, which
is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 2A taken along a
section line 2F-2F. The disc 250 is rotated as shown in FIG. 2F
such that the flow resistance of the channel may be a desired
resistance, such as a maximum flow resistance. In FIG. 2F, the flow
resistance of the channel 230 may be inversely proportional to the
cubic power of the gap "g" and/or proximately linearly related to
the thickness "t" of the disc 250.
[0030] In some embodiments, the round surface of the disc 250 as
shown in FIG. 2F may be substantially perpendicular to the flow
direction within the channel 230. The flow resistance of the
channel 230 with the disc 250 in the configuration as shown in FIG.
2F may have flow resistance such as a maximum flow resistance
between about 10 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec) and about 20
cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec). In some embodiments, the round surface of the
disc 250 as shown in FIG. 2G may be substantially parallel to the
flow direction within the channel 230. If the disc 250 is rotated
to the configuration as shown in FIG. 2G, the flow resistance of
the channel 230 may have a flow resistance such as a minimum flow
resistance between 1 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec) and 2 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec).
In some embodiments, the thickness "t" of the disc 260 may be
provided to determine the decaying and the rising of the pressure
within the channel 210.
[0031] In some embodiments, at least one of the channel 230 and/or
240 may have a dimension "D" of about 2.5 cm for adult patients. In
other embodiments, at least one of the channel 230 and/or 240 may
have a dimension "D" of about 1.5 cm for children.
[0032] In some embodiments, the channel 240 may be coupled to a
blower 330 (as shown in FIG. 3) which provides a desired air flow
and/or air pressure through the channel 240 and the bifurcation
region 220 to the channel 210. In some embodiments, the blower 330
may be similar to the blower 120 of the CPAP machine 100 shown in
FIG. 1. The blower 330 may deliver an air flow between about 3
liters per second (L/sec) and about 10 L/sec at no load, a pressure
between about 10 cmH.sub.2O and about 40 cmH.sub.2O at zero flow,
and/or other conditions with flow between about 0 L/sec and about 3
L/sec to about 10 L/sec and a pressure between about 0 cmH.sub.2O
and about 10 cmH.sub.2O to about 40 cmH.sub.2O.
[0033] In some embodiments, the channel 240 may be referred to as
an inspiration channel through which air provided from the blower
330 can be desirably delivered. The channel 240 may be a circle,
oval, square, rectangle, hexagon, octagon, or other shape. In some
embodiments, the channel 240 is a circle having a diameter between
about 1. 5 centimeter (cm) and about 3 cm, preferably about 2.5
cm.
[0034] In some embodiments, the disc 260 may be rotatably disposed
within the channel 240 by the shaft 270 through the wall 211. The
disc 260 may be a circle, oval, square, rectangle, hexagon,
octagon, or other shape corresponding to the shape of the channel
240. The material of the disc 260 may comprise, for example, at
least one of plastic, metallic, ceramic, or the material or various
combinations thereof.
[0035] In some embodiments, a gap (not labeled) between the edge of
the disc 260 and the inner surface 233 of the wall 211 is between
about 0.5 millimeter (mm) and about 1.5 mm, preferably about 1.0
mm. The disc 260 may have a thickness (not shown) between about 0.1
cm and about 1.2 cm, preferably 1 cm. The gap (not labeled) and
thickness (not shown) are designed to achieve a desired flow
resistance within the channel 240. For example, when the disc 260
is rotated with the disposition as shown in FIG. 2F, the flow
resistance of the channel 240 may have a flow resistance such as a
minimum flow resistance between about 1 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec) and
about 2 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec). When the disc 260 is rotated with the
disposition as shown in FIG. 2G, the flow resistance of the channel
240 may be inversely proportional to the cubic power of the gap "g"
and/or proximately linearly related to the thickness "t" of the
disc 260. The flow resistance of the channel 240 with the disc 260
may have a flow resistance such as a maximum flow resistance
between about 10 cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec) and about 20
cmH.sub.2O/(L/sec). In some embodiments, the thickness "t" of the
disc 260 may be provided to set the decay and rise of the pressure
within the channel 210.
[0036] In some embodiments, a motor 280 is coupled to the shaft 270
and configured to rotate the discs 250 and 260 simultaneously. The
motor 280 may be, for example, a stepping motor, a servomotor or
other motor.
[0037] In order to achieve the simultaneous rotations of the discs
250 and 260, the shaft 270 may connect the discs 250 and 260 with
90.degree. angle difference. When the motor 280 is turned on, the
disc 250 is rotated to substantially seal the channel 230 and the
disc 260 is rotated to substantially open the channel 240, vice
versa. In some embodiments, the motor 280 may simultaneously rotate
the discs 250 and 260 between about 3 rotations per minute and
about 15 rotations per minute to provide a ventilatory flow in
channel 210 between about 6 cycles per minute (cpm) and about 30
cpm.
[0038] FIG. 2H is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary disc
structure disposed in a channel, and FIG. 2I is a schematic
cross-sectional view of the disc structure of FIG. 2H, taken along
a section line 2I-2I.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 2H, in some embodiments, the disc 254 and
another disc 253 may be crossly connected so as to replace the disc
250 (shown in FIG. 2A) and have the shaft 270 radially there
through. By disposing the disc structure within the channel 230,
the motor 280 rotates the combined discs 253, 254. For each
rotation of the combined discs 253, 254, two flow oscillations are
generated to the airflow through the flow regulator 200 (shown in
FIG. 2A). In some embodiments, the combined discs 253, 254 shown in
FIGS. 2H and 2I may replace the disc 260 disposed within the
channel 240. In this way, each rotation of the combined discs 253,
254 may superimpose four flow oscillations to the airflow through
the flow regulator 200 (shown in FIG. 2A)
[0040] FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of another
exemplary flow regulator, constructed and operative in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 2B, the flow regulator 201 may comprise
the channel 210, the bifurcation region 220 connected to the
channel 210. The channels 230 and 240 are connected to the
bifurcation region 220. The channel 230 may comprise a disc 250
rotatably disposed therein. The depositions and materials of the
channels 210, 230, 240, the bifurcation region 220, the disc 250
are similar to those described in FIG. 2A. In this embodiment, the
channel 240 does not include a disc as the disc 260 shown in FIG.
2A.
[0042] Referring again to FIG. 2B, the disc 250 is rotatably
disposed within the channel 230 by the shaft 271. The motor 280 may
be coupled to the shaft 271, operative to rotate the disc 250. In
some embodiments, the motor 280 may rotate the disc 250 between
about 3 rotations per minute and about 15 rotations per minute to
provide a ventilatory flow in channel 210 of about 6 cycles per
minute (cpm) and about 30 cpm.
[0043] FIG. 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary
flow regulator, constructed and operative in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 2C, the flow regulator 202 may comprise
the channel 210, the bifurcation region 220 connected to the
channel 210. The channels 230 and 240 are also connected to the
bifurcation region 220. The channels 230 and 240 may comprise discs
250 and 260 rotatably disposed therein, respectively. The
depositions and materials of the channels 210, 230, 240, the
bifurcation region 220, the discs 250 and 260 may be similar to
those described in FIG. 2A.
[0045] Referring again to FIG. 2C, the disc 250 is rotatably
disposed within the channel 230 by the shaft 271 and the disc 260
is rotatably disposed in the channel 240 by the shaft 273. In some
embodiments, the motor 280 is coupled to the shaft 271, operative
to rotate the disc 250, and another motor 290 such as an oscillator
is coupled to the shaft 273, operative to rotate the disc 260. In
some embodiments, the motor 280 may rotate the disc 250 between
about 3 rotations per minute and about 15 rotations per minute to
provide a ventilatory flow in channel 210 of about 6 cycles per
minute (cpm) and about 30 cpm.
[0046] In some embodiments, the motor 290 may rotate the disc 260
between about 10 rotations per second and about 20 rotations per
second, preferably 15 rotations per second. By using the motor 290,
the rotation of the disc 260 may introduce a high frequency
oscillation to the airflow delivered by blower 330 (shown in FIG.
3) through channel 240 and around the disc 260. Accordingly, the
incorporation of the blower 330, the disc 260 and the motor 290 may
provide a desirable high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV)
so as to further enhance gas transport to patients through channel
210. The ventilation with HFOV at a frequency between about 20
cycles per second and about 40 cycles per second may allow the use
of a lower inspiration pressure so as to desirably reduce
barotraumas of lungs. In addition, the use of the motor 290 may
increase gas transport to patients so as to desirably minimize the
need for accurately matching the noninvasive positive pressure
ventilation (NPPV) with breathing patterns of patients.
[0047] FIG. 2D is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an
exemplary flow regulator for a noninvasive positive pressure
ventilation (NPPV) device, constructed and operative in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 2D, the flow regulator 203 may comprise
the channel 210, and the bifurcation region 220 connected to the
channel 210. The channels 230 and 240 may be connected to the
bifurcation region 220. The channels 230 and 240 may comprise discs
250 and 260 rotatably disposed therein, respectively. The
depositions and materials of the channels 210, 230, 240, the
bifurcation region 220, the discs 250 and 260 may be similar to
those described in FIG. 2A.
[0049] Referring again to FIG. 2D, a filter 235 is disposed within
the channel 230 so as to desirably modify the minimum expiratory
pressure, within the channel 210. The filter 235 may comprise a
material such as a textile material, fibers, sponge type material,
other materials, or various combinations thereof through which air
may flow. In some embodiments, the filter 235 may filtrate droplets
from exhaled air from the channel 230. In some embodiments, the
filter 235 may be selected with different flow resistance such that
the channel 230 may contribute to the establishment of a minimum
expiratory pressure in the channel 210 between about 2 cmH.sub.2O
and about 10 cmH.sub.2O.
[0050] In some embodiments, the end of the channel 240 may be
coupled to a blower 330, which provides an air pressure within the
channel 240. The blower 330 may provide a desired inspiration
pressure, e.g., a pressure not exceeding the maximum inspiratory
pressure, within the channel 210. In some embodiments, the blower
330 may change its speed to modify the pressure within the channel
210 such that the channel 210 may have a maximum inspiratory
pressure between about 10 cmH.sub.2O and about 40 cmH.sub.2O.
[0051] By the action of the filter 235, the flow regulator 203, and
the blower 330, the minimum expiratory pressure within the channel
210 and the maximum inspiratory pressure within the channel 210 may
be different. The use of the flow regulator 203 thus may covert the
functions of the blower 330 (shown in FIG. 3) into functions of a
bi-level NPPV device.
[0052] FIG. 2E is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another
exemplary flow regulator for a noninvasive positive pressure
ventilation (NPPV) device, constructed and operative in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 2E, the flow regulator 204 may comprise
the channel 210, the bifurcation region 220 connected to the
channel 210. The channels 230 and 240 may be connected to the
bifurcation region 220. The channels 230 and 240 may comprise discs
250 and 260 rotatably disposed therein, respectively. The
depositions and materials of the channels 210, 230, 240, the
bifurcation region 220, the discs 250 and 260 may be similar to
those described in FIG. 2A.
[0054] Referring again to FIG. 2E, a pressure regulator 285 may be
coupled to the channel 230. The flow regulator 285 may comprise a
valve 286, a spring 287 and-a manual control 288, which is disposed
within the channel 230 and may be adjusted manually so as to
modify, for example, the minimum pressure set within the channel
230. In some embodiments, a solenoid 289 may be coupled to the
spring 287 and the valve 286 to control the setting of the valve
286 such that the channel 210 may have a minimum expiratory
pressure between about 2 cmH.sub.2O and about 10 cmH.sub.2O.
[0055] In some embodiments, a pressure regulator 295 may be coupled
to the channel 240. The flow regulator 295 may comprise a valve
296, a spring 297 and a manual control 298, which may be adjusted
manually so as to modify, for example, the maximum pressure set
within the channel 240. In some embodiments, a solenoid 299 may be
coupled to the spring 297 and the valve 296 to control the setting
of the spring 297 and the valve 296 such that the channel 210 may
have a maximum inspiratory pressure between about 10 cmH.sub.2O and
about 40 cmH.sub.2O. The dispositions of the flow regulators 285
and 295 shown in FIG. 2E are merely exemplary. The scope of the
invention, however, is not limited thereto. The solenoids 289, 299,
the springs 287, 297, the valves 286 296, the manual controls 288,
298 and the solenoids 289 and 299 may be disposed at any region of
the channels 230 and 240, respectively, as long as desired maximum
inspiratory pressure and minimum expiratory pressure in the channel
210 can be achieved.
[0056] By the cooperation of the solenoids 289 and 299 and/or
manual adjustment of the spring 287, 297 and the valves 286, 296,
the minimum expiratory pressure and the maximum inspiratory
pressure within the channel 210 may be different. Accordingly, the
use of the flow regulator 204 may convert the functions of the CPAP
machine 330 (shown in FIG. 3) into functions of a bi-level NPPV
device.
[0057] FIGS. 2J and 2K are schematic cross-sectional views of
exemplary flow regulators, constructed and operative in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 2J, flow regulator 205 may comprise
channel 281, bifurcation region 282, channel 283 and channel 284.
Like items of FIG. 2J are indicated by like reference numbers as in
FIG. 2B. In some embodiments, the channel 281 may be coupled to the
mask 400 (shown in FIG. 3). The channel 283 may be referred to as
an expiration channel and the channel 284 may be referred to as an
inspiration channel. The disc 250 is rotationally disposed within
the channel 283. The disc 250 may be coupled to the motor 280
operative to rotate the disc 250. In some embodiments, the channel
283 may be substantially perpendicular to the channel 281 and/or
channel 284.
[0059] In some embodiments, the disc 260 may be rotationally
disposed within the channel 284 as shown in FIG. 2K. The disc 260
may be coupled to the motor 290 configured to rotate the disc
260.
[0060] In some embodiments, the flow regulators 200-206 shown in
FIGS. 2A-2E and 2J-2K may be closely disposed to the mask 400
(shown in FIG. 3). The dead space for ventilation is made to be
close to the dead space in the patient's mechanical ventilation
system when a traditional ventilator is in use with the patient, it
will be situated at the position of CPAP machine 100 (shown in FIG.
1). In this case the dead space for the use of traditional
ventilator will include the space in the tubing. Accordingly the
dead space in using traditional ventilator will be larger than our
mechanical ventilation system with the flow regulators 200-206.
With smaller dead space, more fresh air under the condition of same
tidal volume can be delivered to the alveoli of patients to improve
their ventilation.
[0061] In some embodiments, the flow regulators 200-206 shown in
FIGS. 2A-2E and 2J-2K may be closely disposed to the blower 330 (as
shown in FIG. 3) or the blower 120 of the CPAP machines 100 (as
shown in FIG. 1). With this arrangement, the wirings connecting the
solenoids 289 and 295, the motor 280, the pressure gauge 510 to the
processor 530 as shown in FIG. 5 may be sturdily mounted on the box
housing the blower 330 and processor 530. The dead space for this
arrangement is larger than the arrangement that the flow regulator
is closely disposed to the mask.
[0062] Like a NPPV device, the flow regulators 203 and 204 shown in
FIGS. 2D and 2E may desirably deliver inspiration air from the
channel 240 to the channel 210 and then deliver exhaled air from
the channel 210 to the channel 230. Accordingly, the exhaled air
from patients, which may contain virus, may not flow through the
channel 240 to the blower 330 (shown in FIG. 2D or 3). The chance
that the exhaled air from infected patents contaminates the blower
330 (shown in FIG. 2D or FIG. 3) thus is desirably reduced.
[0063] Further, the manufacturing cost of a full-feature mechanical
ventilator is very high. On the other hand, the manufacturing cost
of a blower or a CPAP machine is low. By using the low cost flow
regulators 200-206 shown in FIGS. 2A-2E and 2J-2K, together with a
blower, not only can achieve the desired functions of a NPPV
device, but also a low manufacturing cost. With their small size,
the flow regulators 200-206 and blower can be easily accessed and
portable for emergency situations.
[0064] In some embodiments, the mechanical ventilation systems
shown in FIG. 3 may be use as home ventilators for patients with
diseases such as but not limited to chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) and neuromuscular disease (NMD) such as ALS and
post-polio syndrome. Millions of these patients with these diseases
have short breath. Most of them are using supplemental oxygen, a
more expensive avenue. By using the exemplary mechanical
ventilation systems described above, the quality life of patients
may be desirably achieved.
[0065] FIG. 4A is a schematic front view of an exemplary mask and
FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the mask of FIG. 4A,
taken along a section line 4B-4B.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 4A, a mask 400 may comprise a body 401, a
conduit 410, a safety valve 420 and a filter 430. The conduit 410
may be connected to the body 401 and coupled to the channel 210 of
the flow regulator 200, 201, 202, 203 or 204 (shown in FIGS.
2A-2E). The valve 420 may be manually disposed on the body,
configured to seal or vent the mask 400. The filter 430 may be
disposed at, for example, a perimeter region 403 of the body 401 so
as to desirably filtrate droplets in the air leaked around the mask
400, reduce air leakage, and/or minimize misalignment of the mask
400 to the face of patients.
[0067] The filter 430 may have a material such as fibers,
brush-like layer, thick cloth, porous material, sponge-like
material, other materials or their combinations through which air
may flow through thereof.
[0068] The use of facemasks to couple a ventilator to the patient
presents a considerable problem in air leakage around the gap
between the perimeter of the facemask and the face of patients. The
leakage of the exhaled air may be harmful to medical professionals
and/or other patients in hospitals. The filter 235 (shown in FIG.
2D) disposed within the channel 230 and/or the filter 403 disposed
at the perimeter of the mask 400 may desirably filtrate droplets of
exhaled air from patients. Accordingly, the use of the filter 235
(shown in FIG. 2D) disposed within the channel 230 and/or the
filter 403 disposed at the perimeter of the mask 400 may desirably
reduce the spread of virus contained in droplets from inflected
patients to others.
[0069] When the facemask is misaligned with the facial contour of
the patient, significant air leakage can occur around the perimeter
of the facemask. Traditional ventilators normally produce airflow
of about 1 to 2 L/sec. As a result leak compensation needs to be
implemented. The use of the flow regulator and a blower with large
capacity (such as one that can deliver airflow as large as 5 L/sec
to 10 L/sec) may readily overcome the problem of air leakage and
deliver adequate airflow to the patient over traditional
ventilators.
[0070] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing showing an exemplary
mechanical ventilation system, constructed and operative in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, the dispositions of the flow regulator,
the mask 310 and the motor 280 may be similar to those of the flow
regulators 200-206 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2E and 2J-2K), the mask 400
(shown in FIG. 4A) and the motor 280 (shown in FIG. 2A),
respectively.
[0072] In some embodiments, a pressure gauge 510 may be coupled to
the channel 210, configured to monitor the pressure therein. After
receiving the pressure within the channel 210, the pressure data
511 may be electrically transmitted to a processor 530 by a
connection coupled to the pressure gauge 510.
[0073] The processor 530 may be programmed to determine from the
pressure data 511 the maximum inspiratory pressure and the minimum
expiratory pressure. The processor 530 may have a screen to display
the maximum inspiratory pressure and the minimum expiratory
pressure on line. These pressure data may be transmitted from
processor 530 via wireless means (not shown) to a computer in the
central nursing station.
[0074] In some embodiment, the motor 280 as shown in FIG. 5 can be
one running at constant speed. In other embodiments, the motor 280
can be a stepping motor or a servomotor so that its rotation rate
can be controlled by the processor 530 for the mechanical
ventilation system to desirably simulate the pressure waveform of
spontaneous ventilation.
[0075] In some embodiments, the processor 530 may comprise or be
coupled to a storage medium (not shown) configured to record the
data 515 transmitted from the pressure gauges 510. The storage
medium (not shown) may comprise, for example, at least one of a
random access-memory (RAM), floppy diskettes, read only memories
(ROMs), flash drive, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, hard drives, high density
(e.g., "ZIP.TM.") removable disks or any other computer-readable
storage medium. The processor 530 and the storage medium may be
placed in the control circuit 105 of the CPAP machine 100.
[0076] In some embodiments, the processor 530 may be coupled to the
motor 280. In other embodiments, the processor 530 may be coupled
to the motor 290 (shown in FIG. 2C), the blower 120 (shown in FIG.
2D), the solenoids 289 and 299, and/or the blower 330 (shown in
FIG. 3).
[0077] The processor 530 may process the data 515 so as to control
the rotation frequency of the motor 280 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2E), to
control the rotation frequency of the motor 290 (shown in FIG. 2C),
to set the power to drive the blower 120 (shown in FIG. 2D), to set
the power to activate the solenoids 291, 295 (shown in FIG. 2E)
and/or to adjust the speed of the blower 330 (shown in FIG. 3) for
the flow regulator in delivering airflow at appropriate maximum
inspiratory pressure and minimum expiratory pressure. The maximum
inspiratory pressure and minimum expiratory pressure may be input
to the processor 530 as preset values.
[0078] In still other embodiments, the present invention may be
embodied in the form of computer-implemented processes and
apparatus for practicing those processes. The present invention may
also be embodied in the form of computer program code embodied in
tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, read only memories
(ROMs), CD-ROMs, hard drives, "ZIP.TM." high density disk drives,
flash memory drives, or any other computer-readable storage medium,
wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed
by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the
invention. The present invention may also be embodied in the form
of computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage
medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted
over a suitable transmission medium, such as over the electrical
wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic
radiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into
and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for
practicing the invention. When implemented on a general-purpose
processor, the computer program code segments configure the
processor to create specific logic circuits.
[0079] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been,
described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited
thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly to
include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may
be made by those skilled in the field of this art without departing
from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention.
* * * * *